IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs: 3 players to watch out for

India will begin their 2026 home season with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11. The series will see Shubman Gill leading the 15-member squad. One of the major talking points from the squad announcement was the inclusion of Rishabh Pant, whose recent Vijay Hazare Trophy knock appears to have kept him in the selectors’ plans, while Mohammed Shami was left out despite returning to domestic action. 

Notably, Shreyas Iyer also makes a comeback as vice-captain, though his participation will depend on fitness clearance. The return of Mohammed Siraj is expected to strengthen the pace of the attack. With matches scheduled in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore, the series is India’s first home ODI assignment of the year. Players of both teams will look to put up a strong fight and carry their past performances into the series. 

Here are 3 in-form players to keep an eye on during IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs

Rohit Sharma

Former India skipper Rohit Sharma will once again look to give the team brilliant starts in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, after having an impressive run in 2025. Although he was missing from the opening practice session in Vadodara, Rohit has since been seen training hard.

The opener scored 650 runs in 14 ODI innings at an average of 50. His most notable knock last year was the 76 against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final. The 38-year-old has clearly taken up his role as a senior batter, focusing purely on giving aggressive starts. With India starting their 2026 international calendar through this series, Rohit will be keen to carry forward last year’s momentum.

Daryl Mitchell

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is set to be one of India’s biggest threats in the upcoming ODI series, given the kind of form he showed throughout 2025. The right-hander enjoyed an outstanding year with the bat, being one of the most consistent middle-order players. Mitchell scored 761 runs from 17 ODIs at an average of 54.35.

He often anchored the innings when wickets fell early, while also accelerating in the latter stages. His tally included a century and six half-centuries, with several knocks coming under pressure. The year also saw him make it to the No.1 spot in the ICC rankings; however, he occupied the third spot.  Although he missed the final two ODIs of 2025 due to injury, Mitchell’s form makes him a challenge.

Virat Kohli

Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli will be the player to watch out for against New Zealand in the upcoming ODI series, given the form he carried into the end of 2025. The year began on a difficult note for the former captain with the forgettable Border-Gavaskar Trophy and his final appearance in Test cricket. However, Kohli ended 2025 on a high.

Kohli enjoyed a solid run in ODIs, scoring 674 runs from 15 innings at an average of over 56, including four centuries and three half-centuries. His purple patch came during the ICC Champions Trophy and the home series against South Africa, where he hit back-to-back hundreds. He signed off the year as the No.2 ODI batter. His record against New Zealand at home is brilliant, and he would be the biggest threat the visitors will have to tackle.